GOP Variety Theatre Hannover: from the Georgspalast to a world-class show venue

The GOP Variety Theatre Hannover is the only theatre of its kind in Germany still playing at the original 1920s to 1950s site. This is a place where you can admire some of the world's best artistes and acrobats, and laugh along with great comedians, oddball characters and witty compères. A fantastic selection of food and drink only adds to the evening's pleasure. All in all, the GOP can offer you a fantastic night out in Lower Saxony's regional capital Hannover.

Hannover is where Germany's hugely successful chain of GOP Variety Theatres first got started. The city's Georgspalast (GOP for short) was built over the course of 1912 and 1913 as a business centre and set of offices. From the mid-1920s onwards, the Georgspalast – its inhouse café-restaurant – became a focal point for jazz-oriented music in Hannover and a popular dancing venue with a modern feel. After the war, the building's new proprietor Wilhelm Hirte opened the GOP Variety Theatre (timing the opening to coincide with the first Hannover trade fair) and, a little later, the Gondel Bar in the Georgspalast. The first event using both venues took place on 25 May 1948. The theatre quickly took off, with famous singers, popular actors and film stars making appearances. Almost everyone who was anyone in show business performed here during the 1950s. Paul Hörbiger and Gert Fröbe were both booked at the theatre, as were Josephine Baker, Olga Chekhova, Heinz Erhardt and Zarah Leander. Nevertheless the GOP Variety Theatre closed its doors in 1962 and only reopened 30 years later in 1992. The legendary Gondel restaurant followed in its footsteps in 2001 and is once again offering great food and wine. Dinner and a show – a beloved institution has returned to Hannover!